Woman feared drowned, bodies of two missing recovered from Ganga in Barh

Patna: An 18-year-old girl was feared drowned in the Ganga, while two others were rescued by locals in Barh sub-division of Patna district on Friday.

The deceased, identified as Kajal Kumari of Rahui in Nalanda district, had come to the ghat for a purification bath following her grandfather’s shraddh rituals.

Barh SHO Braj Kishore Singh said around 20–25 family members had gathered for the ritual bath. “Three women were bathing together when they began to drown. Two were rescued, but Kajal went missing. Search operations are underway,” he said.

The incident comes a day after a boat carrying 14 people capsized near Umanath Ganga ghat on Thursday, leaving five dead and two still missing. NDRF teams continue search operations.

Bodies of Leela Devi (30), Shravan Mahto (36), Kashi Kumar (14), Kanchan alias Kabootri (16) and Neelam Devi (40) have been recovered so far, while Rahul Kumar and Mamta Devi remain missing.

A survivor, Tuntun, who lost his wife Neelam Devi in the mishap, said the boat was caught in strong currents before overturning in a sudden gust of wind. “I saved several people, but could not save my wife,” he said.

Circle officer Narendra Kumar Singh said Rs4 lakh ex gratia has been given to families of the deceased, and compensation for others will be provided after recovery of bodies.